For all the rebounds Omer Asik grabbed, and he has never pulled down more, he and the Rockets could not get enough.

With the game on the line, the Rockets scored enough. They defended enough. They got the stops they needed to make a slim and shaky lead hold up, but when they needed only to pull down a rebound, they could not.

The Bucks scored their final eight points off offensive rebounds, the last when Monta Ellis put in a turnaround heave from 27-feet at the buzzer to lift the Milwaukee Bucks to a 110-107 win, the Rockets’ second-consecutive loss to a sub-.500 Eastern Conference team in which they wasted a 17-point lead.

With the game tied following a James Harden drive with 34.7 seconds left, Ellis and Ersan Ilyasova missed, but the Rockets could not secure the defensive rebound, allowing the Bucks to run down the clock before Ellis’ game-winner. The Bucks had taken two-point lead with a Larry Ellis tip with 45.3 seconds left, and had pulled into a tie on a Mike Dunleavy 3-pointer with 1:34 remaining.

Having given up most of their 17-point lead in the first half, the Rockets trailed by seven before they recovered by switching to their small lineups the rest of the way. Heading into the final four minutes, the Rockets left by four, but went cold, missing seven of eight shots, scoring only when Asik dunked home a Jeremy Lin miss on his way to 22 rebounds.

Harden finally ended that stretch with his drive to tie the game. The Rockets, however, never saw the ball again.

That was far from the first lead they let slip away, however.

The Rockets could have started faster, but that would have meant hitting each of the first 13 shots that they took rather than the 12 of 13 they did make. By the time the Rockets missed a second shot, they had their 17-point lead, but this was a far more impressive burst than Saturday’s run to a 17-point lead in Washington.

That night, they were on a remarkably hot shooting roll that they were unlikely to maintain and getting few of the shots they could expect to make throughout the game.

On Wednesday, they were passing their way through the Milwaukee defense to get to the rim, scoring 28 points in the paint in the first quarter. But when the Rockets went to their bench seven minutes into the game, the defense took a seat and the Bucks began to roll.

The Rockets had a longer run scoring with ease, allowing them to take a 36-33 lead into the second quarter. But after a poor-shooting, foul-filled second quarter, the rest of the Rockets’ lead was gone, as the teams headed to the second half tied, 55-55.

When the Bucks opened the second half nearly as hot as the Rockets had the first, the Rockets went from a 17-point lead to a seven-point deficit. That brought on the small lineup and a rapid run back to the lead. More than that, it moved the Rockets back to their small lineups for the rest of the way.

With the game on the line, however, they were beaten on the boards and stuck with a second-consecutive bad loss.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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Image 1 of 89

May 3: Thunder 103, Rockets 94

The Rockets season came to a close in front of a rowdy crowd at Toyota Center as the Thunder closed out the best-of-seven series in Game 6.Thunder win series 4-2

May 3: Thunder 103, Rockets 94

The Rockets season came to a close in front of a rowdy crowd at Toyota Center as the Thunder closed out the best-of-seven series in Game 6.Thunder win series 4-2

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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May 1: Rockets 107, Thunder 100

The Rockets kept their playoff lives alive by knocking off OKC, at home, in a hostile environment.
Thunder lead series 3-2

May 1: Rockets 107, Thunder 100

The Rockets kept their playoff lives alive by knocking off OKC, at home, in a hostile environment.
Thunder lead series 3-2

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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April 29: Rockets 105, Thunder 103

Chandler Parsons led the way as the NBA's youngest team won its first playoff game against Oklahoma City.
Thunder lead series 3-1

April 29: Rockets 105, Thunder 103

Chandler Parsons led the way as the NBA's youngest team won its first playoff game against Oklahoma City.
Thunder lead series 3-1

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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April 27: Thunder 104, Rockets 101

Houston rallied from a tremendous deficit but could not stop Kevin Durant in the closing minutes.
Thunder lead series 3-0

April 27: Thunder 104, Rockets 101

Houston rallied from a tremendous deficit but could not stop Kevin Durant in the closing minutes.
Thunder lead series 3-0

Photo: James Nielsen / Houston Chronicle

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April 24: Thunder 105, Rockets 102

Houston was much improved in its second playoff game, but couldn't put the finishing touches on a fourth-quarter rally.
Thunder lead series 2-0

April 24: Thunder 105, Rockets 102

Houston was much improved in its second playoff game, but couldn't put the finishing touches on a fourth-quarter rally.
Thunder lead series 2-0

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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April 21: Thunder 120, Rockets 91

The Rockets fell into a 1-0 hole against the No. 1 Thunder after an embarrassing loss in Oklahoma City to open the series.
Thunder lead series 1-0

April 21: Thunder 120, Rockets 91

The Rockets fell into a 1-0 hole against the No. 1 Thunder after an embarrassing loss in Oklahoma City to open the series.
Thunder lead series 1-0

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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April 18: Lakers 99, Rockets 95

Houston let a lead slip away, allowing Los Angeles to finish ahead in the final regular-season standings.
Record: 45-37.

April 18: Lakers 99, Rockets 95

Houston let a lead slip away, allowing Los Angeles to finish ahead in the final regular-season standings.
Record: 45-37.

Photo: Jae C. Hong / Associated Press

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April 15: Suns 119, Rockets 112

The Rockets couldn't knock off the lowly Suns in Phoenix as the regular season nears its end.
Record: 45-36.

April 15: Suns 119, Rockets 112

The Rockets couldn't knock off the lowly Suns in Phoenix as the regular season nears its end.
Record: 45-36.

Photo: Matt York / Associated Press

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April 14: Rockets 121, Kings 100

The Rockets took care of the Kings in the regular season home finale behind James Harden's 29 points.
Record: 45-35.

April 14: Rockets 121, Kings 100

The Rockets took care of the Kings in the regular season home finale behind James Harden's 29 points.
Record: 45-35.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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April 12: Grizzlies 82, Rockets 78

A 30-point performance by James Harden wasn't enough for Houston to finish the comeback against Memphis.
Record: 44-35.

April 12: Grizzlies 82, Rockets 78

A 30-point performance by James Harden wasn't enough for Houston to finish the comeback against Memphis.
Record: 44-35.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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April 9: Rockets 101, Suns 98

The Rockets came away with a win against the Suns after James Harden's last second 3-pointer was counted due to goaltending by Suns center Jermaine O'Neal.
Record: 44-34.

April 9: Rockets 101, Suns 98

The Rockets came away with a win against the Suns after James Harden's last second 3-pointer was counted due to goaltending by Suns center Jermaine O'Neal.
Record: 44-34.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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April 6: Nuggets 132, Rockets 114

Houston had trouble containing an athletic Denver team, losing all four games to the Nuggets this season.
Record: 43-34.

April 6: Nuggets 132, Rockets 114

Houston had trouble containing an athletic Denver team, losing all four games to the Nuggets this season.
Record: 43-34.

With almost a fully healthy roster, Houston outlasted Sacramento at the Sleep Train Arena.
Record: 42-33.

April 3: Rockets 112, Kings 102

With almost a fully healthy roster, Houston outlasted Sacramento at the Sleep Train Arena.
Record: 42-33.

Photo: Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press

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April 1: Rockets 111, Magic 103

Omer Asik (22 points and 18 rebounds) led the Harden and Parson-less Rockets to a huge first half lead and then let the backups take care of business in the fourth quarter against the lowly Magic.
Record: 41-33. less

April 1: Rockets 111, Magic 103

Omer Asik (22 points and 18 rebounds) led the Harden and Parson-less Rockets to a huge first half lead and then let the backups take care of business in the fourth quarter ... more

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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March 30: Rockets 98, Clippers 81

Chandler Parsons throws down two of his 15 points during the blowout victory.
Record: 40-33.

March 30: Rockets 98, Clippers 81

Chandler Parsons throws down two of his 15 points during the blowout victory.
Record: 40-33.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Chronicle

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March 29: Grizzlies 103, Rockets 94

With the loss, Memphis moved up 2-1 over Houston in the season series.
Record: 39-33.

March 29: Grizzlies 103, Rockets 94

With the loss, Memphis moved up 2-1 over Houston in the season series.
Record: 39-33.

Photo: Danny Johnston / Associated Press

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March 27: Pacers 100, Rockets 91

Indiana is the NBA's top defensive unit and they came to Houston and effectively shut down the league's top offensive unit.
Record: 39-32.

March 27: Pacers 100, Rockets 91

Indiana is the NBA's top defensive unit and they came to Houston and effectively shut down the league's top offensive unit.
Record: 39-32.

Photo: James Nielsen / Houston Chronicle

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March 24: Rockets 96, Spurs 95

James Harden hit the game-winning jumper with just under five seconds left as the Rockets held off the Spurs in the heat of the playoff race.
Record: 39-31.

March 24: Rockets 96, Spurs 95

James Harden hit the game-winning jumper with just under five seconds left as the Rockets held off the Spurs in the heat of the playoff race.
Record: 39-31.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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March 22: Rockets 116, Cavaliers 78

Houston's reserve players got to play in the fourth quarter and the Rockets took control against Cleveland long before the end of regulation.
Record: 38-31.

March 22: Rockets 116, Cavaliers 78

Houston's reserve players got to play in the fourth quarter and the Rockets took control against Cleveland long before the end of regulation.
Record: 38-31.

The Rockets watched a 19-point lead after three quarters shrink quickly in the closing minutes, but thanks to some clutch drives by Jeremy Lin and great free throw shooting by James Harden they were able to hold on for their 37th victory of the season.
Record: 37-31. less

March 20: Rockets 100, Jazz 93

The Rockets watched a 19-point lead after three quarters shrink quickly in the closing minutes, but thanks to some clutch drives by Jeremy Lin and great free throw shooting by ... more

Photo: James Nielsen / Houston Chronicle

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March 17: Warriors 108, Rockets 78

A cold start from the field led to the worst loss of the season for James Harden and Co.
Record: 36-31.

March 17: Warriors 108, Rockets 78

A cold start from the field led to the worst loss of the season for James Harden and Co.
Record: 36-31.

James Harden's first career triple-double led the Rockets to a hard-fought win against the Bobcats. Patrick Patterson contributed 14 fourth quarter points.
Record: 26-23.

Feb. 2: Rockets 109, Bobcats 95

James Harden's first career triple-double led the Rockets to a hard-fought win against the Bobcats. Patrick Patterson contributed 14 fourth quarter points.
Record: 26-23.

Photo: Nick de la Torre / Chronicle

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Jan. 30: Nuggets 118, Rockets 110

James Harden scored 21 points, but Danilo Gallinari's 27 points (15 in the second half) led the Nuggets to the win.
Record: 25-23.

Jan. 30: Nuggets 118, Rockets 110

James Harden scored 21 points, but Danilo Gallinari's 27 points (15 in the second half) led the Nuggets to the win.
Record: 25-23.

Photo: Joe Mahoney / Associated Press

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Jan. 26: Rockets 125, Jazz 80

Utah had a difficult time containing Houston, as the Rockets won their third consecutive contest. Jeremy Lin had 12 points and seven assists
Record: 25-22.

Jan. 26: Rockets 125, Jazz 80

Utah had a difficult time containing Houston, as the Rockets won their third consecutive contest. Jeremy Lin had 12 points and seven assists
Record: 25-22.

Photo: Rick Bowmer / Associated Press

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Jan. 26: Rockets 119, Nets 106

The Rockets were unstoppable on offense in this one, putting up 119 points on Brooklyn.
Record: 24-22.

Jan. 26: Rockets 119, Nets 106

The Rockets were unstoppable on offense in this one, putting up 119 points on Brooklyn.
Record: 24-22.

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Jan. 25: Rockets 100, Hornets 82

The Rockets won three out of four games against New Orleans this season.
Record: 23-22.

Jan. 25: Rockets 100, Hornets 82

The Rockets won three out of four games against New Orleans this season.
Record: 23-22.

Photo: Gerald Herbert / Associated Press

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Jan. 23: Nuggets 105, Rockets 95

The Nuggets used a 36-22 third quarter differential to coast to an easy win in Houston.
Record: 22-22.

Jan. 23: Nuggets 105, Rockets 95

The Nuggets used a 36-22 third quarter differential to coast to an easy win in Houston.
Record: 22-22.

Photo: Nick de la Torre / Houston Chronicle

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Jan. 21: Rockets 100, Bobcats 94

James Harden scored a team-high 29 points and Carlos Delfino added 16 off the bench as the Rockets snapped their seven-game losing streak.
Record: 22-21.

Jan. 21: Rockets 100, Bobcats 94

James Harden scored a team-high 29 points and Carlos Delfino added 16 off the bench as the Rockets snapped their seven-game losing streak.
Record: 22-21.

Photo: Chuck Burton / Associated Press

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Jan. 19: Timberwolves 92, Rockets 79

Cold shooting and turnovers lead to more losing as the Rockets dropped a seventh game in a row.
Record: 21-21.

Jan. 19: Timberwolves 92, Rockets 79

Cold shooting and turnovers lead to more losing as the Rockets dropped a seventh game in a row.
Record: 21-21.

Photo: Stacy Bengs / Associated Press

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Jan. 18: Pacers 105, Rockets 95

The Rockets couldn't keep up with the red-hot shooting by the Pacers (46% from the field, 58% for 3s) and fell to 7-13 on the road this season.
Record: 21-20.

Jan. 18: Pacers 105, Rockets 95

The Rockets couldn't keep up with the red-hot shooting by the Pacers (46% from the field, 58% for 3s) and fell to 7-13 on the road this season.
Record: 21-20.

Photo: Darron Cummings / Associated Press

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Jan. 16: Mavericks 105, Rockets 100

The Rockets were able to tie the game up in the fourth quarter before the Mavericks sealed their fate in the closing minutes. The Rockets have now lost 13 straight games to division opponents when playing away from Toyota Center.
Record: 21-19. less

Jan. 16: Mavericks 105, Rockets 100

The Rockets were able to tie the game up in the fourth quarter before the Mavericks sealed their fate in the closing minutes. The Rockets have now lost 13 straight games to ... more

Photo: Paul Moseley / McClatchy-Tribune News Service

Image 50 of 89

Jan. 15: Clippers 117, Rockets 109

Even without star point guard Chris Paul, Los Angeles made easy work of the Rockets. Houston lost it's fourth consecutive game.
Record: 21-18.

Jan. 15: Clippers 117, Rockets 109

Even without star point guard Chris Paul, Los Angeles made easy work of the Rockets. Houston lost it's fourth consecutive game.
Record: 21-18.